How to Prune Rosemary Plants

Rosemary benefits from occasional pruning.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) grows as an evergreen perennial in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 7 through 10. The leaves resemble bristles and have an exceptional aroma, and they provide distinctive flavor to cooked dishes and breads. These small shrubs benefit from light trimming throughout spring and summer to help maintain their shape and size. Frequent trimming also provides a steady harvest of rosemary to use fresh or dried in the kitchen.

1

Cut out dead and winter-damaged branches and stems in early spring as new growth begins on the stem tips. Cut the rosemary back to the nearest healthy portion of the stem with sharp shears.

2

Trim back the entire plant by about half its height in late spring or early summer to control the size and shape of the rosemary. Make the cuts in the succulent green stem portions. Do not cut into the woody bottom section of each stem, because rosemary may not grow back well from the woody stem sections.

3

Remove overgrown stems anytime during the summer growing season to maintain the basic shape of the rosemary bush. Cut each overgrown stem back so it's the same length as surrounding stems.

4

Prune back overgrown rosemary in mid- to late summer to maintain its shape and size if it begins to look unkempt. Remove up to half the new growth on the shrub, taking care not to cut into the woody portions of the stems.

Things You Will Need

Pruning shears

Tip

Rosemary is sometimes used in topiaries because you can prune it to nearly any shape, as long as you don't cut into the woody stem base. Topiary and shaped rosemary may require more frequent pruning to maintain its appearance.

About the Author

Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.